News

UCAS publishes report on admission patterns from mature students

8 August 2018

Research published by UCAS earlier this month revealed a number of admission trends in mature students’ applications to universities and Higher Education colleges.

Research published by UCAS earlier this month revealed a number of admission trends in mature students’ applications to universities and Higher Education colleges.

The report, which marks the start of a prolonged UCAS campaign during the remainder of 2018, showed that mature students are more likely to live at home when enrolled on a full-time course. They are commonly attracted to a narrow range of courses, with education and social studies being among the most popular choices.

It was also identified that applications are higher when job markets are weaker. Application levels for full-time undergraduate courses were highest between 2009 and 2011, when opportunity rates to enter the employment market were at their lowest. However, application rates have gradually decreased since 2015, when job vacancies have slowly risen. It appears that mature students look to Higher Education when jobs are sparse but look directly to the employment market when job opportunities are more sufficient.

Entry-rate patterns have also been identified in terms of regions, with London having the highest entry levels for people aged 36 to 50. The University of Westminster are proud to be formed of four modern campuses in the West End of London and one in Harrow, North-West London. Our students continue to enjoy learning in an exciting city environment as well as all exploring the many leisure activities that the surrounding area has to offer.

Reflecting on these interesting findings, UCAS Chief Executive Clare Marchant said, “Mature students have different motivations, expectations and needs compared to their younger counterparts. Entering full-time, higher education as an older student is a life-changing commitment, reflected in the focused choices many older students make to pursue highly vocational subjects.”

One particular alumnus of the University, Pete Maclaine, who studied BA Modern History and War and Conflict Studies between 2007 and 2010, now works as an established Press Photographer based in London. His unique imagery ranges from politics in Parliament to engagements involving the Royal Family, providing photos to illustrate stories in editorial websites and the national and international newspapers.

Pete was mentioned in an article published by the BBC showcasing the best images taken by members of the British Press Photographers’ Association in 2017. He was commended for his poignant work photographing PC Keith Palmer’s funeral cortege processing through the Palace of Westminster to Southwark Cathedral.

About the University of Westminster:

The University of Westminster boasts a vibrant learning environment attracting more than 20,000 students from over 150 nations and we continue to invest in our future with new developments, research projects and new ideas.

We offer highly attractive practice-based courses that are independently rated as excellent, many with international recognition. Our distinguished 180-year history has meant we lead the way in many areas of research, particularly politics, media, art and design, architecture and biomedical sciences, and our position in the city of London allows us to continue to build on our close connections with leading figures and organisations in these areas as well as in the worlds of business, information technology, politics and law.

Our commitment to educating graduates for the needs of professional life attracts high quality students from within the UK and around the globe.

Internationalisation, employability and sustainability are key elements in the University of Westminster’s vision for the future and we strive to ensure the very highest standards are met and maintained.